Fly fishing is part science, part art. While it is demanding, you can improve your chances by selecting a reel
that suits the type of fish you want to catch and your fishing style. This reel becomes part of a "balanced" system
when combined with your fly line, leader and fly.

Reels can vary greatly in cost. Make sure to choose a reel that can accommodate the type and amount of line you want to use and that pairs well with your rod.

Construction

Aluminum/Graphite

Most fly reels are made of aluminum, either cast or machined because of cost

The main consideration with aluminum is its finish

If you plan to fly fish in saltwater, buy a reel with an anodized finish since it
will withstand the corrosive effects of salt air and water

A fly reel made of graphite is lighter

Line capacity

Many of today's fly reels come with large arbors, the spool's center where the fly
line backing is tied. These larger arbor reels offer you several advantages:

Quicker line retrieval

Better line handling

Enhanced drag-pressure control

The larger arbor makes it easier to take in line, a big plus when a fish runs and then comes back at you

In fly fishing, you must keep constant pressure on the line so you'll be reeling to take up slack. A larger
arbor helps in this situation.

The larger arbor reduces line coiling since the line pulls off with fewer corkscrews. This helps to keep the
line from tangling.

You will get more consistent drag pressure from a larger arbor

Line weight

First, determine the type of fish that you want to catch. Smaller fish such as trout require a lighter line
weight; bigger fish such as pike need a heavier line weight. In either case, the reel needs to match the line
weight.

You need to match your reel to your line weight and rod

A five-weight reel matches up with a five-weight rod

Remember, fly fishing requires a balanced system so match the reel and rod. If you don't, you will hurt your
casting accuracy and efficiency.

Types of reels

There are three types of fly reels to select: single-action,
multiplier or automatic.

Single-action

This is the simplest and most common, a good choice if you a beginner

The fly line is stored on a spool and the handle attaches directly to the spool rather than a gear system found
on most fishing reels. One crank of the handle provides one revolution of the spool.

Multiplier

Unlike the single-action, the multiplier reel attaches to a gear system that multiplies line retrieval with
each crank of the handle. The advantage is quicker line pick-up.

Automatic

This reel allows you to simply flick a lever to retrieve line, a big plus when you have a lot of line out in
the water. Fly fishing purists may disdain the automatic as taking away the challenge, but it does help in line
control.

Drag systems

This is an essential feature of fly reels. Simply put, "drag" applies friction to the spool. This helps when you
cast and when you play a fish, especially a larger fish. You can select from three types of drag systems:

Spring-and-pawl

This type of system is also known as "click-and-pawl" or
"ratchet-and-pawl." It is the simplest and most affordable drag.

A spring pushes the pawl into a gear on the reel spool to create drag. Some models use a
knob to increase or decrease drag tension, while others feature a fixed drag tension.

While this is the simplest drag system, the "spring-and-pawl" is best-suited for lighter fishing, such as trout
and panfish

This system will work on larger fish if you want a challenge and are skilled at working a reel by palming, a
technique where you press the palm of your hand against the spinning reel of the spoon as the fish takes line

Caliper

This option falls between the "spring-and-pawl" and disc system both in the way it performs and what it
costs

Much like brakes on a car, a caliper pad pushes against the braking surface on the spool

This friction then slows the way a reel spool spins

Even though most of today's reels come with an exposed palming rim, if you plan to palm make
sure the reel you buy has this feature

Disc

Generally found on more expensive reels, a disc drag pushes a large-diameter pad against the reel spool's
braking surface

Just as with disc brakes on a car, pressure is applied directly, which increases control and the overall
efficiency of the drag system.

Cork or synthetic materials such as Teflon are used in disc drag systems

Although more expensive, many believe cork provides a smoother, more consistent pressure and can be adjusted
more precisely

You can also further increase control by selecting a reel that incorporates an exposed palming rim, usually a
built-in feature on reels with a disc drag

Disc drag systems are ideal for fighting big, powerful fish since you get extra control and more consistent
drag pressure

Fly fishing is as much art as it is sport so your equipment becomes extremely important. Line, leader, tippet,
fly, reel and rod work together as a balanced system.

If you are a beginner, you should consider buying a pre-packaged combo. This assures you of getting that
balanced system necessary to increase your chances of landing fish and your enjoyment of the sport.

Get lots of practice and refine your skills by adding more equipment as you begin to master the art
of fly fishing.

If you want an all-purpose combo, look for 5- or 6-weight rod and reel, with an 8- 9-foot rod, and a rod with a
medium to medium-fast action. This combo will tackle nearly all of the fly fishing situations you may encounter.